Chemistry:Fassaite

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Fassaite
Fassaïte.jpg
Fassaite from Val di Fassa
General
CategoryMineral
Formula
(repeating unit)
Ca(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)
2
O
6
Crystal systemMonoclinic
Crystal classPrismatic (2/m)
(same H-M symbol)
Space groupC2/c (no. 15)
Identification
Colorlight-dark green, black
Crystal habitprismatic, short, plane
Mohs scale hardness6
Streakgreenish-white
Specific gravity2.9-3.3
References[1]

Fassaite is a variety of augite with a very low iron content, Ca(Mg,Fe,Al)(Si,Al)
2
O
6
.[2] It is named after the Fassa Valley, Italy.

It is thought to be a contact mineral formed at high temperature on the interface between volcanic rocks and limestone. It is also reported in meteorites.[3]

References

  • Schumann, Walter (1991). Mineralien aus aller Welt. BLV Bestimmungsbuch (2 ed.). pp. 223. ISBN 3-405-14003-X.